Summary

Physical Characteristics

Clematis is a deciduous Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Synonyms

Clematis trifoliata. A. lobata.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. Sweet but insipid[2, 3, 46, 61, 105]. The fruit has a delicate flavour and a soft juicy texture[K]. The flavour can be enhanced by the addition of a little lemon juice. Valued more as a novelty, the fruit looks somewhat like a deep-purple coloured sausage[183]. The fruit is 7 - 13cm long[200]. The dried young leaves are used as a tea substitute[46, 61, 105, 183].

Medicinal Uses

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The stems are analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor. blood tonic, cardiotonic, diuretic, emmenagogue and galactogogue[147, 176]. Taken internally, it controls gram-positive bacterial and fungal infections and is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, lack of menstruation, to improve lactation etc[176, 238]. The stems are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

Other Uses

The peeled stems are very pliable. They can be bleached and used in basket making[46, 61].

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Arbor. Requires a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[11, 200]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[200]. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun[3, 200]. Grows well on a north facing wall[219]. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c but they can be somewhat tender when young[200]. Another report says that this species is not as hardy as A. quinata, only tolerating temperatures down to -10°c. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. This species grows very well in S.W. England. Resentful of root disturbance, either grow plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young[219]. Plants are evergreen in mild winters[11]. Fast growing, it can be invasive. It grows well on deciduous trees[28]. Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring[202]. Plants are shy to fruit, they possibly require some protection in the flowering season, hand pollination is advisable[3, 11]. Plants are probably self-sterile[182], if possible at least 2 plants should be grown, each from a different source. The flowers are sweetly scented[245]. The fruits are sold in local markets in Japan[46]. The ssp. A. trifoliata australis. (Diels.)Rehd. is used medicinally in China[176]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:
Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Surface sow in a light position[133]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[133]. Stored seed should be given 1 month cold stratification[113, 133] and can be very difficult to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[11, 113]. The cuttings can be slow to root[200]. Cuttings can also be taken of soft wood in spring[113]. Root cuttings, December in a warm greenhouse[113]. Layering in early spring[1]. Very easy, the plants usually self-layer and so all you need to do is dig up the new plants and plant them out directly into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

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Botanical References

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